was this purchase ill advised?

[ba ba booey]

So a while back I bought a Stoeger 12ga sxs coach with double triggers. Always wanted a sxs double barrel. Already have a 12ga pump, but a lowly maverick 88. At the time of purchase I justified the coach by its slighly shorter overal length and possible increaed reliability due to its simple breach loading design, but the bottom line is I've always just liked em. So anyway, still haven't fired, and I'm thinking wow, I could've picked upa nice 870.......what do you think? Mostly from hd, durability standpoint?

 

[Milkmaster]

You would not be the first person to buy a gun simply because he/she liked it! Enjoy!

 

[Virginian]

The simple double trigger Stoeger SxSs with extractors are pretty reliable. That's why the cowboy set have bought so many. When you get into the ones with single triggers and ejectors problems begin to proliferate. If you like it, I'd use it. I like 870s, but the differences between pump shotguns, which consume so much space on gun forums, are really very small. If you have a pump, you already HAVE a pump if you get it. Unless you want to pony up the bucks for a Wingmaster, an Ithaca, a BPS, or such I wouldn't lose any sleep over the issue.

 

[jmr40]

what do you think? Mostly from hd, durability standpoint?

Sorry, but from this standpoint, in my opinion it was a mistake. I like a good double as much as anyone, but the Stoegers don't have a reputation for long term durability. An 870 is about as rugged and reliable as they come, as are most pumps. And they typically cost less than one of the budget SXS's. The 870 in particular has a reputation for long term service that is only equaled by the high end doubles costing 5 figures.

If buying a gun meant for fun, or just because you want one to go blast away at the range, then I have no problem with someone buying anything they want. From that standpoint, and if you like it, then it wasn't a mistake. But if HD or personal protection is the primary reason I'm not choosing a gun for nostalgic reasons.